Caroline & Patrick
A December Wedding at a Converted Mill in Derby
When Caroline and Patrick first got in touch, they were very clear about one thing: they wanted to spend their wedding day celebrating, not posing for photos. As a Documentary wedding photographer in Derby, this is music to my ears. Their winter celebration at this stunning Darley Abbey venue was the perfect setting for this ‘no faff’ approach, allowing the day to unfold naturally across all four floors of this incredible converted cotton mill.
December weddings in the UK always come with a bit of a gamble on the weather, but that’s where a venue like this really shines. The industrial character and huge windows mean that even when it’s chilly outside, the interior light is a dream for capturing honest, unscripted moments. From the emotional first look with Caroline’s dad to the incredible energy around the doughnut wall in the evening (I may or may not have contributed greatly to this energy!), my goal was simply to document the genuine joy of the day as it happened, without ever getting in the way.
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Industrial Mill Wedding Venue
This industrial mill looks great, both inside and out, but one of its biggest appeals has to be that each floor hosts a different part of your wedding day. No more waiting for the room to be turned around. No more having your guests ushered outside while tables and chairs are rearranged. Here you start at the top, and you work your way down. And, in case you’re wondering, yes…there’s a lift.
So, I started the day on the top floor, which has this fantastic little dressing room, as well as the main ceremony room. I met Caroline and her bridesmaids, who were a mix of calm, nervous and excited. Sometimes all at the same time. It was also my first time working with Rochelle O’Brien (make-up artist) and Helen Sutcliffe (hair stylist). It’s always good to meet new wedding industry folk, especially so close to home, too.
Emotional Father of the Bride
After nipping downstairs (yes, I used the stairs!) to see how Pat was getting on greeting their guests, I returned to the dressing room to see Caroline looking amazing in her dress, and waiting for her dad to show up. Now, this is one of those moments that I love to capture for the family. It’s such a special thing to witness a father seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. So much must be going through his mind. So many memories. It’s a privilege to be a part of it. And it’s hard not to get swept up in it all. Thankfully, I have a camera to hide behind.
Following the ceremony, which is a beautifully light and airy room at the top of the building, the guests made their way outside for confetti. The stairs here are pretty narrow, so it’s a gradual process even with the lift to lend a hand. Soon though, we were all outside, and the guests were arranged into two rows for the confetti tunnel.
Back indoors we all went, the guests queuing up to get a glimpse at the table plan to find out where they were sitting. Speaking of tables, you’ll notice a photo of a chap admiring one of the candle holders placed on each table. You might think that it looks like the kind of modern, industrial-chic item you’d find in a high-end homewares shop. You’d be wrong. These were lovingly made by none other than our groom, Patrick. Talented chap that he is.
Doughnut Wall for the Evening Reception
As the waiters were filling the champagne glasses, the speeches began. They were a bit of a roller-coaster of emotions. They had the guests laughing, crying and most things in between. And not for the first time that day, I was glad to have my camera to hide behind. After the plates had been cleared away, it was time to kick back and enjoy the evening. With a doughnut wall, table football, a gin bar and the surroundings of an awesome old mill, Caroline and Pat couldn’t have wished for a better end to their wedding.